Ayurveda and Yoga Management in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)-A Case Report

Abstract

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) which leads the subject to engage in repetitive compulsions. Obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming; interfere significantly with the person’s normal routine, social and occupational functioning. OCD is caused by low serotonin activity. It is similar to Atattvabhinivesa - a mental disorder explained in Ayurveda. A 23 year old male patient came with complaints of repetitive and negative thoughts throughout the day, by which he couldn’t concentrate on his work. An integrative intervention; which included Sroto Shodhan (channel cleansing) therapies, Marsha Nasya (nasal administration of medication) with Purana ghrita (old ghee) for seven days, thereafter Saraswatharishtam and mansasamithravati was prescribed for one month and Pranayama were incorporated. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) before treatment was 14 and after treatment was reduced to 7.